Koral MKM Kimono vs. HSU Kodokan Gi for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

My first gi was a HSU Kodokan blue, size 6. It was a good deal for a beginner like me. What I didn’t realize at the time is what a good gi was. I didn’t know anything about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Judo. I was just starting out in BJJ. Now I know the error of my ways. Please note gi and kimono are two words for the same thing. Brazilians say kimono and Americans gi.

A simple search for “Kodokan” on Google brings up Judo related links. HSU sells Jiu-Jitsu gi’s. Then why does there Jiu-Jitsu gi say Kodokan on it? The URL to there site is www.hsujudo.com. When you visit there site you will see that there Judo gi’s have a different picture but look the same as those for Jiu-Jitsu. Are you starting to see a pattern here? My first gi is a Judo gi which was marketed as a Jiu-Jitsu gi. It doesn’t have the smaller cuffs or pants legs. The whole of it is baggier. I had a black belt comment on the “extra large cuffs” while instructing my partner on how to get a good hold on them. My size 6 will fit some one between 6’0” to 6’4”. The collar is very thick. After washing I can’t get it to dry out. This has caused it to smell and I had to figure out how to clean it (see my post on “How to Clean your Gi”). The pants were too long. I had them altered to fit.

My new gi is a Koral MKM Urban Camo Kimono size A3. It is sized differently by height 5’11”-6’2″ and weight 190-220 lbs. It doesn’t have the large cuffs and the pants fit right off in every aspect. The collar is half as think and the jacket is light weight. Great for hot summers! It has vulcanized rubber inside of the collar. It is preshrunk, so when you put it on you know that is the size it will stay. You should have seen how big my HSU was before it shrunk! The patches on the Koral MKM Urban Camo are cool. Ok, so I paid a good deal more for it. But it is worth it by far! My game has changed too. I can move better in it and I don’t have tons of cloth for my opponent to grab. I’ll never go back. Koral makes a quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu kimono. Hands down they win this comparison.

HSU Kodokan Gi

HSU does not sell Jiu-Jitsu gi’s. They market Judo gi’s as Jiu-Jitsu gi’s.

HSU gi’s are made in China.

Collar of gi is not easy to dry out after washing. Gets smelly and needs more care to keep it clean.

HSU gi comes in broader size making for a bagger fit. It is more of a Judo cut.

Jacket is heavy and there is a good chance the pants won’t fit you right off. The Jacket is two piece.